->''"I was reborn before all life could die\\The Phoenix bird will leave this world to fly\\If the Phoenix bird can fly then so can I"''-->-- '''Music/EltonJohn''', ''Grey Seal''

The Phoenix is an ancient and well known symbol of death and rebirth and is an idea that is found all over Asia and Europe. It's portrayed as a magnificent bird with a plumage of fiery colors and also with fiery powers or in some stories, a bird actually made of living flames.

The Phoenix of the Phoenician myth was an immortal bird that could regenerate from any injury. At a certain time, the Phoenix would make a nest of cinnamon sticks, and then self-immolate, burning to ashes, from which a new Phoenix was born. Similar myths include the Egyptian Bennu, the Chinese Fenghuang (or Houou to the Japanese), and the Vermilion Bird [[TheFourGods Suzaku]].

Traditionally [[SingleSpecimenSpecies this is not a species; there is usually only one Phoenix]] (video games and other modern fantasy works [[AKindOfOne may beg to differ, but that's another story]]). Unlike most other mythical beings, it's not immortal, instead it lives, ages, lays one single egg and burns itself up. And from the egg (or the burnt phoenix's ashes) a new phoenix is born.

Stories don't agree whether the bird from the egg is a new phoenix or [[BornAgainImmortality the same individual]]. As goes with the death/rebirth theme, it's often intentionally left unclear.

Other ideas include that its [[SwissArmyTears tears]] or song have healing powers.

It is commonly mistaken to be a member of TheFourGods, due to its similarities with The Vermillion Bird.

A common plot device is to have the protagonist first meet the phoenix as a sickly, dying pet of someone important. When the bird unexpectedly catches fires, circumstances lead them to expect said important person to blame them. but just as they're cringing and apologizing, TheReveal comes that this is a phoenix, just going through its rebirth cycle.

See BirthDeathJuxtaposition for a plot that reflects this {{motif|s}}. See BornAgainImmortality for other characters with the ability to be reborn after death. See also {{Ouroboros}}, another ancient symbol of immortality/eternity. See HotWings for other wings of fire.-------!!Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: Anime and Manga ]]

* Bakemonogatari has Tsukihi Araragi and more specifically the Dying Bird which she is possessed by (or simply is, it's hard to tell). The Dying Bird is a spiritual phoenix; when the host dies of age it reincarnates as another newborn and essentially lives again. Despite looking human Tsukihi is very much a supernatural creature and has all the powers one might expect including a massive HealingFactor.* Ikki in ''Manga/SaintSeiya'' has the Phoenix Cloth, and like the bird could come BackFromTheDead only to get stronger each time. The Phoenix Cloth itself is explicitly said to be immortal, and could regenerate (as well as its wearer) within the incredible heat of volcanoes.* Tezuka Osamu's ''Manga/{{Phoenix}}'' combines the mythos with themes of {{Reincarnation}}.* Suzaku, one of the four gods of heaven and earth in ''Manga/FushigiYuugi'', is represented by a Phoenix.* ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'':** A [[{{Gonk}} parody of the bird]] shows up in one story, where a fat, round, ugly chick hatches from an egg [[TheLittleShopThatWasntThereYesterday purchased by Kuno]] and imprints on the first thing it sees --namely, Ranma-- and determines it to be its mortal enemy. HilarityEnsues.** The subject is treated somewhat more seriously with the final enemy in the series, the [[GoodThingYouCanHeal Phoenix]] [[AGodAmI Emperor]] [[PersonOfMassDestruction Saffron]], ruler of Mt. Phoenix to the south of Jusenkyo. Not only is he, like all his people, a WingedHumanoid with talons for hands and feet, but he [[PlayingWithFire can generate raw flame]] from his BattleAura and [[HealingFactor regenerate]] from ''[[NighInvulnerability any injury]]'' through his phoenix flame... up to and including having his head frozen solid or his entire body shattered into a million pieces (which merely causes him to be [[BornAgainImmortality reborn as an egg]].)* Je T'aime, Fou Lafine's B't in ''Anime/BtX''. Notably its powers had little to do with fire and instead focuses on using [[MakeMeWannaShout sonic weaponry]] to disable enemies.* A very short-lived [[MonsterOfTheWeek Jewel Seed Monster]] took this form in ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' during the period after Nanoha met up with the [[TheFederation Time-Space Administration Bureau]].* While there haven't been shown a phoenix in ''OnePiece'' there's a [[{{Animorphism}} Zoan]] [[PowerUpFood Devil Fruit]] which allows the user to become a phoenix. Marco, Whitebeard's 1st Division Commander, have eaten this fruit. ''OnePiece'''s version creates and is made of blue flames and has incredible recovery powers, as demonstrated when Marco shields Whitebeard from Kizaru's beams.* Franchise/{{Digimon}}'s Zhuqiaomon, one of the Four Sovereigns, who are based on TheFourGods. Thus, he ''is'' the Vermilion Bird. He's something of a KnightTemplar, it turns out. (Azulongmon, aka the Azure Dragon, has to cool him down. Via an epic battle between gods.) There's also a Phoenixmon (also known as Hououmon) who is seen briefly in one episode.* In ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'', Yusuke's BattleAura during the final battle in the Dark Tournament [[AnimalBattleAura manifests as a flaming blue phoenix]]. In addition, [[spoiler: after Yusuke's death at the hands of Sensui and his rebirth as the Mazoku, [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter Puu]]'s true form]] turns out to be a tremendous blue phoenix.* In ''WeaponsOfTheGods'', [[spoiler:Nangong Wentian]] was known as this after [[BackFromTheDead getting resurrected]] by transplanting his heart with Phoenix, an axe made from nine feathers of the phoenix and gaining its power.* Kai's Bit Beast Suzaku/[[DubNameChange Dranzer]] from ''Manga/{{Beyblade}}'' is modeled after the Suzaku of TheFourGods, like the other three Bit Beasts.* ''Manga/YuGiOh'': One of [[PhysicalGod The Winged Dragon of Ra's]] powers is turning into a Phoenix and destroying any monster on the opponent's field. [[YourMindMakesItReal If it's during a Shadow Game]], [[{{Synchronization}} this usually destroys the opponent's mind as well]].* In ''Animation/GuardianFairyMichel'', episode 7 is centered around finding a Phoenix.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Card Games ]]

* A red creature type in ''MagicTheGathering''. As expected of the phoenix, they all have some way of coming back from the Graveyard if they're killed.* ThePhoenix is the symbol of the Phoenix Clan in ''LegendOfTheFiveRings''* ''TabletopGame/DuelMasters'' has some [[http://duelmasters.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Phoenix very strange phoenixes.]]* ''TabletopGame/YuGiOh'' has [[http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Sacred_Phoenix_of_Nephthys Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys]].

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Comic Book ]]

* A Mini-comic featuring Franchise/{{Batman}} had the Penguin theming a series of thefts after the phoenix, eventually creating a fire-breathing robot called the "penguin phoenix".* ComicBook/JeanGrey from ComicBook/{{X-Men}}, depending on the continuity, or even [[{{Retcon}} the writer at the moment in the main continuity]], was either the Phoenix itself (later [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity Dark Phoenix]]), [[GrandTheftMe possessed by it]], or replaced and impersonated by it at some point. She keeps an equally variable [[TouchedByVorlons connection]] to it from her return onwards. The Phoenix wasn't even originally intended to give her an ability to come BackFromTheDead. Becoming the Phoenix in the ''first'' place was considered her "death and rebirth." None of this helped her overall reputation much, and by now she has become the poster child for DeathIsCheap even by comic book standards, to the point that whenever she's in mortal danger, both readers ''and other characters'' don't really care all that much, though they might be concerned about her occasionally [[CameBackWrong coming back wrong]] with her SuperpoweredEvilSide active.** Ditto for her KidFromTheFuture, Rachel Grey, who kept the motif even after ditching the actual cosmic critter itself. Rachel's connection with the Phoenix isn't in a constant state of {{retcon}} like her mother's, though: she and the Phoenix were merged for years, then separated via a fairly complicated (though simple by Summers/Grey family standards) TimeTravel storyline. She also never went [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity Dark Phoenix]] like Jean, despite generally being more the hot-tempered of the two, but she came close to it a couple of times.** Various other characters have also been hosts for the Phoenix, but it's always been either an extremely temporary situation or happened in ancient history. Even {{Spider-Man}}! [[spoiler: But not really. He's using the gadgetry that allowed the robot Rachel of some Comicbook/{{Excalibur}} impostors to make it ''look'' good. Thus the costume change]]* TheSentry has vaguely Phoenix like attributes (leading to further EpilepticTrees on what he actually is), in that he consistently dies and comes back, as strong as before, and has a deep connection to fire/the sun.* A ''[[ComicBook/TheSandman Sandman]]'' one-shot story mentioned that the new phoenix hatches from a white egg, but the burned phoenix actually produces two; the other is black and no one knows what there is inside.* One story in ''ComicStrip/ThePhantom'' had a man using ashes of the Phoenix egg as a medicine to keep him immortal. When his date overdoses herself by sniffing it all in, he tries to find a new egg for himself. While he does find the resting place of the Phoenix and gets more ashes, he is too impatient to wait for them to cool down and burns to death.* In ''[[ComicBook/{{Swordquest}} Swordquest: Fireworld]],'' Tarra fights and briefly rides a giant fire hawk.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Fan Works ]]

* Harmony in the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' fanfic ''Fanfic/ChroniclesOfHarmonysEnd'' is the TopGod of the setting, and possibly ''the'' phoenix. [[spoiler: Array and Discord "kill" him in a specific way - by sealing his essence - to ensure that he cannot be reborn.]]* In the ''KingdomHearts'' fanfiction ''Sentinels of Chaos'', one of the gifts the Keyblade Masters receive is a magical phoenix that "reads the intentions of their hearts," so that the one who gave the phoenix to them can know if the Keyblade Masters are worthy for something more. Axel (reluctantly) takes ownership of the phoenix, originally calling her ''Dopey'', though after bonding with her later on, renames her to Pyranas. Interestingly, Dopey/Pyranas is treated as an actual character, rather than as a pet, and communicates through squawks and other bird noises (which are conveniently translated by the narrator) that the Keyblade Masters interpret and translate perfectly. And she also laughs at almost every pun, [[IncrediblyLamePun regardless of quality.]]* In ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'', it is fairly obvious that Harry has some degree of connection to the Phoenix Force, which almost certainly has something to do with his mother (who was [[spoiler: and maybe still is - her alive/dead status is rather up in the air]] red headed, green eyed [[spoiler: and Jean Grey's first cousin once removed]]). He's also noted as a prodigy with fire magic, light seems drawn to him, he's fond of the Phoenix symbol and a Phoenix feather in Odin's possession reacted to him. ** Speaking of Lily's association with the Phoenix, it seems that Thor was subconsciously aware of it during his time as James - he repeatedly compared her to a Phoenix, even using the famous phrase, 'Fire and Life Incarnate'.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* ''Film/TheFlightOfThePhoenix1965'' -- a film about a crashed plane being rebuilt by its desert stranded passengers to fly again.* In ''Film/StarTrekFirstContact'', the name of Zefram Cochrane's warp ship is "The Phoenix", implied to have been chosen to herald in a new era after the devestation of WorldWarIII. Little does Cochrane know that it does indeed lead the rebirth of human race, when his warp-jump leads to peaceful first contact with [[spoiler: the Vulcans]].* In a deleted scene of ''Film/AKnightsTale'', William suggests a phoenix as his heraldry as Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein, on grounds of A) the private {{symbolism}} of his incipient jousting career rising from the ashes of Sir Ector's, and B) Ector's white stag could be recognized and Roland and Wat's suggestion of a lion is overdone. Wat suggests three phoenixes as a compromise, to symbolize the whole group rather than just Will.* This is implied to be the case with [[Franchise/{{Godzilla}} Mothra]], who has a habit of laying an egg and then dying in the same film, then coming back in a later film after the egg hatches.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Literature ]]

* Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet of ''Literature/HarryPotter'' fame, saved Harry in the second book. He's introduced in the way mentioned in the trope description - bursting into flame while Harry is alone in Dumbledore's office. It's left obvious it's the same animal that is reborn, and it "dies" at least twice during Harry's stay at Hogwarts. While rare, phoenixes are a species rather than Fawkes being one-of-a-kind.** These Phoenixes can carry very heavy loads, including ''several'' people, and have tears with healing powers. They can teleport in a flash of flame, and even carry at least one person with them when doing so; this ability can circumvent Hogwarts' teleportation defenses, something even the most powerful human wizard can never do. They can survive a Killing Curse - another thing impossible for wizards except under very specific circumstances - through their 'rebirth' ability. Their tail feathers are one of the magical items used to create wands (others being unicorn hair, dragon heartstring, and veela hair). The feather in Harry's wand actually came from Fawkes [[spoiler: as did the feather in BigBad Voldemort's wand - a connection which saves Harry in the fourth book. Wands that have cores from the same source don't work properly against each other]].* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh Simurgh]] of ''Literature/{{Xanth}}'' is notably NOT a phoenix. There's more than one great immortal bird in mythology, after all.* ''Discworld/CarpeJugulum'' includes a phoenix, and gleefully subverts this trope in classic Literature/{{Discworld}} tradition: rather than a one-bird species, it's a member of a breed of firebirds that has found a way to incubate their eggs ''really quickly''. Dropping from the blazing nest of their self-immolating parent, phoenix chicks shapeshift into the form of the first bird they encounter, the better to blend into their surroundings. Hence, when falconer Hodgesaarrgh goes looking for one, he has no idea which of the several different phoenix-drawings in his bird guide will be correct. [[spoiler: Its actual resemblance to a lappet-faced worrier or "Lancre wowhawk" (a singularly pathetic bird of prey which faints at the sight of blood) was ''not'' one of the possibilities he'd been led to expect; the ostrich-like puppet he constructed was mainly related to the shape of his arm.]] As Granny Weatherwax said, one of anything is stupid since everything has enemies so it won't survive long, but since historians were more interested about writing about wars than writing about birds, they didn't know this simple fact.* The classic children's book ''David and the Phoenix''.** This was quoted in ''[[Literature/HonorHarrington At All Costs]]'' complete with birth-death motiffs.* The phoenix is one of the Great Houses of ''{{Dragaera}}''. It is unknown if there are more than one of the animal phoenix, but in order for a Dragaeran to be of the House of the Phoenix, both of their parents must be of the House AND a phoenix must fly over when they are born. Needless to say, the House is all but extinct except Zerika, the Empress.* The bird itself does not appear, but the throne of the Autarchs in ''The Book of the New Sun'' is shaped like a phoenix, to symbolize their hope that the dying sun will be rekindled by the second coming of their savior figure.* ''Literature/ThePhoenixAndTheCarpet'' by Creator/ENesbit contains a phoenix (well duh) and a carpet. Now the Phoenix came with the carpet, as an egg which then burst into flash and released a small bird which then rapidly grew into an adult, English speaking, Phoenix. The carpet also grants three wishes a day and can fly and take the children on adventures.* A swamp in Ursula Vernon's ''Literature/BlackDogs'' contains the world's last phoenix, imprisoned by magic. The protagonists release it and it flies off into space, but not before burning up all the magical apparitions that had been harassing them and granting them safe passage through the treacherous swamp.* Pfenix (as they're spelled) appear in Greg Maguire's ''Literature/{{Wicked}}'' books. They're known to be rare, and omens of change.* In Creator/RobertEHoward's "Literature/ThePhoenixOnTheSword", the image of a phoenix put on ConanTheBarbarian's sword both lets him kill the EldritchAbomination and proves he wasn't dreaming.* In L. Jagi Lamplighter's ''ProsperosDaughter'' trilogy, phoenix lamps use phoenix feathers, which regenerate, for light; phoenix ash is useful for bribing salamanders to behave themselves.* There is a short story (name currently unknown) about a group of modern-day people who capture a Phoenix and put it on display. They figure they can make a lot of money by televising the phoenix's death and firey rebirth so they do everything they can to convince the bird that it's dying. When it starts building a pyre, the people train their cameras on it and start their vigil. The phoenix regenerates all right--unfortunately the resulting fireball winds up taking out most of the observers and a huge chunk of the city with it.* Creator/NeilGaiman wrote a story ("Sunbird") for his daughter's birthday about a group of gourmets who, having [[ExoticEntree eaten one of everything else on the planet]], are inspired to hunt and devour a phoenix by the oldest member of the group. The member who keeps their records looks back through it and finds that the club has tried this in the past, but the pages after each attempt are strangely burnt. [[spoiler:They find the phoenix, kill it, and cook it - but as they eat it, their bodies are consumed in flames. The old man who suggested the hunt is unharmed due to his habit of eating increasingly hot objects; in fact, he's done this dozens of times before, becoming immortal by regularly eating the phoenix.]]* ''Literature/AFantasyAttraction'' has a phoenix passing overhead at the very end.* Carr meets a phoenix in ''Litrature/FancyApartments'', who sings to him and gives him a [[SwissArmyTears tear]]. Unsurprisingly, the tear proves to be rather a ChekovsGun.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

* In ''Series/BabylonFive'', the phoenix is used as Elizabeth Lochley's Starfury NoseArt and [[CoolHelmet helmet artwork]]. In a DVD commentary, show creator [[Creator/JMichaelStraczynski JMS]] says that he gave it to her because it seemed appropriate, not knowing that the actress Tracy Scoggins had a minor obsession with phoenix mythology.* In {{Warehouse 13}}, the Phoenix artifact will allow you to save yourself but using it will cause someone else to die.** [[spoiler: PlayedForDrama when Artie uses it to save himself in the season 1 finale and Mc Phereson ends up dying in season 2]]*** [[spoiler: Actually, Mc Phereson's death has nothing to do with the Phoenix; he dies because he loses the artifact that was protecting him from the acidic chemical in his blood, which proceeds to dissolve him.]]* ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' and ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' have some Phoenix-themed Rangers: Change Phoenix in ''Series/DengekiSentaiChangeman'', Houou Ranger in ''Series/GoseiSentaiDairanger'' (whose mecha was adapted as the Firebird Thunderzord in ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers''), [=MagiRed=] in ''Series/MahouSentaiMagiranger''/the Red Mystic Ranger in ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce''), and [=GoseiPink=] in ''Series/TensouSentaiGoseiger''/the Pink Megaforce Ranger in ''Series/PowerRangersMegaforce''; plus the Ginga Phoenix mecha in ''Series/SeijuuSentaiGingaman''/Stratoforce Megazord in ''Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy''.** Also, in ''Series/PowerRangersJungleFury'' and ''Series/JukenSentaiGekiranger,'' the Phantom Beast Generals are themed after TheFourGods. TheDragon chameleon is upgraded to a phoenix when the usual bad guys join up with the Phantom Beasts.* ''Series/KamenRiderOOO'' - The main character's mix-and-match powers have various animal themes, with red Medals giving him powers based on birds. When he uses all three of them at once, Hawk + Peacock + Condor = Phoenix, with his three-piece chestplate actually forming a single image.* In ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'', the Phoenix is a human-looking creature who can't die, and who can [[PlayingWithFire burn people alive with a touch]].* On ''Series/DegrassiTheNextGeneration'', Darcy's nom de guerre at a camp she went to.* There was an extremely short-lived TV Series in 1982 called ''ThePhoenix'', featuring an alien trapped on earth named Bennu of the Golden Light (Bennu being an Egyptian myth similar to the phoenix), who awakens after being stored away for thousands of years. The usage of the Phoenix symbols was metaphorical, however. No incendiary birds appeared.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Music ]]

* Igor Stravinsky's ''The Firebird'' is all about the trope, through Russian fairytale. Have a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tGA6bpscj8** This piece was set to animation in ''Fantasia2000.''* Music/ThirtySecondsToMars has Mithra, a phoenix featured as one of the band's earliest logos and still used today.* In KanyeWest's ''Runaway'', a lady phoenix with strategically placed feathers crashes on Earth, and Kanye keeps her as a pet, or girlfriend, or something.* "Феникс" ("Feniks") by Russian heavy-metal band {{Ariya}} tells the story of the bird in question.* ''Firebird'' by Dreamtale.* Music/FallOutBoy's single [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hDZbroaQDc “The Phoenix”]], which is also the opening track of the album Save Rock and Roll. Since this is the first album they made after a three-year hiatus, it works as meta symbolism of the band's rebirth.* "Phoenix" by Polish industrial band Gorthaur:-->Out of my ashes / Will raise a new phoenix / I'll live forever / Because the spirit never dies

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Tabletop Games ]]

* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' has had several versions of a phoenix monster over the years.* Symbol of Asuryan, the Elven king of Eternal life and Rebirth in ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'', hence the king's bodyguard are [[PraetorianGuard the "Phoenix Guard"]]. Actual Phoenices are also available to the High Elf army as monstrous units, and come in two flavours - the classic Flamespyre Phoenix, which is young and fiery and able to come back from the dead in a shower of flames, and the ancient, much tougher Frostheart Phoenix, which trails ice and chill rather than flames, and has lived so long it is no longer able to rebirth itself.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Video Games ]]

* ''[[VideoGame/DefenseOfTheAncients Dota 2]]'' has the hero Phoenix, a Strength-based ranged hero that is basically... a phoenix. It is actually a manifestation first sun that soared in the void of universe. All of its skills are using HP as well as mana for activation. Its ultimate skill, Supernova, sacrificed its life to transform into a burning sun. If the sun isn't destroyed, it will be reborn at full health / MP / cooldown and deal big damage to the area surrounding. Phoenix was created way back in Dota VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} v 6.70, somewhere in 2010. Its Dota 1 name was Icarus from the Greek legend, now it is simply Phoenix.* ''LeagueOfLegends'' has Anivia, the [[AnIcePerson cryo]][[OurMonstersAreDifferent phoenix]]. When she's killed, she turns into a egg, which she will revive from if it isn't destroyed, although she can revive as such only once per few minutes.** Udyr has a Phoenix Stance, but subverts the death and rebirth part of the trope. He uses the fiery aspect of the creature for a FireBreathingWeapon. * The Phoenix is a [[SummonMagic summon monster]] in quite a few ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' games, usually in some combination of [[KillItWithFire fire-based attack on the enemies]] and healing and/or resurrection on your allies.** Also worth mentioning is the series' go-to item for resurrecting fallen allies -- Phoenix Down.* ''Franchise/StarCraft'' has the Protoss Fenix. A Zealot met early in the Protoss campaign, he's defeated in battle when the Zerg invade and is presumed dead. Later, however, it turns out his body was recovered and he was resurrected as a Dragoon cyborg.* ''{{Pokemon}}'':** Ho-Oh, which resurrected the legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune after the Brass Tower they were in burned down.** Moltres seems to be more based on the Western phoenix, and Ho-Oh is closer to the Eastern one.** The legendary bird Pokémon Yveltal is an interesting variant; while it lacks an obvious association with fire and instead embodies death and destruction, it is said that when it is dying, it will sap away life energy from every living thing and revert to a cocoon state in order to be reborn later.* In ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'', Egyptians can summon Phoenixes (scientific name ''[[AltumVidetur Aquila inferna]]'', literally "Eagle from hell") that are actually MADE of living flames, which they can throw from the air in a bombing-raid-style attack. When they are killed over solid ground, an egg appears in the ashes of their body and a new Phoenix can be summoned from it.* In ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'', the Blood Mage can summon one as his ultimate spell. Like the above example, it turns into an egg on death, rebirthing from it when the egg is not destroyed quickly. It actually burns itself, needing a rebirth every few minutes even without fighting.** As first and strongest of the Blood Mages, the phoenix is the personal symbol of Kael'thas Sunstrider, and a very prominent symbol of the Blood Elves in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' in general, representing their rebirth from the ashes of genocide in the Third War. Kael's pet phoenix Al'ar serves as a boss in his raid, Tempest Keep, and Kael summons phoenixes during both boss fights against him in ''Burning Crusade''.* Like many mythological creatures, they're featured in the ShinMegamiTensei series. What's interesting is that in ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'', Phoenix's (of the Sun Arcana) artwork is that of Suzaku's and Suzaku (of the Temperance Arcana) has another variation of its artwork.* ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic'' had it from the start. In ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic 1'' and ''2'' it was the top-tier creature of the Sorceress Castle. In VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic III it was absent but returned in the expansion, Armageddon's Blade, as the Conflux top-tier creature and gained the ability to resurrect after a stack died for the first time. In VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic IV it showed up as one of two top-tier creatures for the Preserve/Nature faction as well as a summoning spell in the Nature school. VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic V actually has two versions, a summoned Phoenix whose stats depend on the hero's, and a neutral creature that can come in numbers and ressurects once per battle when slain. In the campaign, their light is one of two ways for the Elves to defeat the Vampire Lord [[spoiler: Nicolai]] for good.* age of Wonders had a phoenix as a rare, summonable creature. It was extremely powerful and when slain, would resurrect after 3 turns (unlimited).* ''RiseOfLegends'': The Alin use an Arabian-style phoenix as a scout.* Suzaku from ''{{Tenchu}} 2'' is a frightening parody of the phoenix's life after death theme.* The ''VideoGame/MonsterRancher'' series has these. Ironically, the Phoenix monster has one of the shortest lifespans of any monster in the game. That said, unlike other monsters, it doesn't die when it's time is up. It just flies away, never to return. In terms of game mechanics, it's the same thing though.* Fujiwara no Mokou from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'' has phoenix-themed powers in the form of resurrection-type immortality and control over fire. One of her [[CallingYourAttacks Spellcards]] is even called "Possessed by Phoenix".* You can create these in ''{{Scribblenauts}}''. They're treated as a standard flying creature, and aren't flaming themselves, but they are attracted to fires--with the humorous result that you can tie a rope to them, tie the other end to something you want to move, and repeatedly move a fire that they'll chase after like it's a carrot on a fishing line.* A phoenix makes an appearance in the second ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' game* ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX Mega Man X6]]'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManZero 2'' had the fire-themed bosses "Blaze Heatnix" and "Phoenix Magnion". While they don't have the ability to resurect, you ''do'' have to fight them again in the BossRush of their respective games. ''VideoGame/MegaMan10'' has a [[DualBoss Dual Miniboss]], Fenix and Suzak, with that theme.** Magnion, however, had a notable attack in which he can briefly summon spirits of Zero's old ''X'' series foes in battle.* VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards: Fire + Fire turns Kirby into a giant blazing phoenix.* VideoGame/KirbysEpicYarn features a literal Phoenix named Hot Wings as the second boss of the game.* Then there are the two classic coin-op games ''Phoenix'' and ''Space Firebird'', both of which have the player battling [[EndlessGame wave upon wave]] of phoenices.* ''VideoGame/{{Archon}}'' had a phoenix as a piece. It could immolate itself as an attack, and was invulnerable while doing so.* Peter the phoenix in ''ShiningForce II'', an important plot character who revives himself if he dies in battle.* Though never directly associated with the Phoenix, Yukiko from ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'' uses Fire, [[TheMedic Healing]], and Resurrection Magic. Her personas are also winged humanoids.** There's also an ACTUAL Phoenix persona in-game.* [[spoiler: Raven]] in ''RuneFactory3'' turns out to be one, with pretty incredible fireball attacks.* There are now two different phoenix pets in RuneScape.* ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'': Nox Nyctores Phoenix Rettenjou has the power to sever the connection from the Boundary, and in here, Boundary can mean 'land of the dead' so it has the probability to save someone from death. Its user, Bang Shishigami, inexplicably has some untold fire powers. And that one time he was thought to be dead (when he saved Litchi in the beginning of his story in Continuum Shift)... he suddenly got back up as if nothing happened. [[WildMassGuessing Hmmmm....]]* In ''VideoGame/MagicalDoropie'', Doropie can transform into a Firebird to defeat all enemies on screen at the cost of one-third of her life meter.* The shmups ''VideoGame/TerraCresta'', ''VideoGame/LegendaryWings''(NES version only), and ''Crisis Force''(NoExportForYou) all have a phoenix form as a SuperMode.* The second version of Loewenzahn in ''{{PN 03}}'' [[OneWingedAngel transforms]] into a robotic phoenix.* ''VideoGame/{{RefleX}}'' has the player's ship, which ''is'' called the Phoenix. [[spoiler:In Area 7, the Phoenix is totaled by ZODIAC Virgo, resulting in the death of the pilot...but then the Phoenix lives up to its name and reawakens as ZODIAC Ophiuchus.]]* The first boss of ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}} II''.* ''VideoGame/GoldenSun'''s Phoenix line (the stronger ones are called fire birds and wonder birds) is notable for being the MookMedic and giving massive amounts of experience (especially if killed with Mercury Djinn), with an unfortunate tendency to run away. It is possible to run into two wonder birds at a time, who keep ressurecting each other for risky LevelGrinding.* ''VideoGame/RuneScape'' has various forms of the Phoenix, mainly stemming from a quest called In Pyre Need, which rewards the player with a repeatable boss (a phoenix), the ability to summon a phoenix familiar and a baby phoenix pet. There is also a desert phoenix, and a "firebird", an actual bird of fire resembling a phoenix.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Visual Novels ]]* [[Franchise/AceAttorney Phoenix Wright]] is a rising new star lawyer with the uncanny ability to turn cases around when all hope seems lost. Case 1-5 is even called "Rise From the Ashes".** This applies much more to the English version though. In the Japanese version, he is more associated with the dragon and his original Japanese name means dragon.* Ushiromiya Battler, from ''VisualNovel/UminekoNoNakuKoroNi'', has been likened to a phoenix a couple of times in Arcs 2 - 4. After [[spoiler:being turned into a soulless servant, tricked mercilessly by his rival and enemy, and ''fading out of existence'' after learning his parentage,]] he continues fighting Beatrice. May double as a reference to ''Franchise/AceAttorney''.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Web Comics ]]

* Webcomic/{{Roza}}: [[http://www.junglestudio.com/roza/?date=2008-03-17 The price the thief demands for giving back what was stolen]].* In ''Webcomic/TheAdventuresOfShanShan'', [[http://shanshan.upperrealms.com/view.php?pageid=002&chapterid=2 the phoenix is a tiny bird, in yellow and red, sent to guide Shan Shan and Cassie.]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Web Original ]]

* Bennu in TheDragonWarsSaga is a phoenix (it's implied that phoenixes are a species among Speakers).* The Phoenix as a species becomes prominent in the second half of ''Roleplay/ShadowhunterPeril''. Instead of one of a kind, red-and-gold birds roughly the size of a hawk, Phoenixes are tall, anywhere from 7-9 feet in height (although their King stands at 11 feet) and they speak with telepathy. Phoenixes in this universe come in any color feather, usually a solid color, and they all sport unique, intricate, glowing linies of another color along their bodies. They have the ability to light themselves on fire at will, they breathe fire, and they can carry a human or two, depending on their size and strength. These Phoenixes used to live in mountains all over the planet, until their homes were destroyed by an unnamed entity, and they were forced to retreat to Ushuum'a, a city built inside the volcano Kilimanjaro, and Ka'a, their capital city built inside a hollowed out Mount Everest. They have a single King and Queen, Ra and Nasaero, who rule over the entire race and reside in Ka'a. The entire city is lit by artificial sunlight coming from a large jewel hanging above the area on the rocky ceiling, and wildlife grows and lives in the city as well. Phoenixes in general are very untrustworthy and proud, so much that they were ready to kill Kyle, Etzel, and Kitty upon sight. Only one with phoenix blood in their veins can open the entranceway to their cities. They have a massive army sporting golden armor, due to their warlike nature. Phoenixes are easily as intelligent as a human, clearly sentient, and because of their incredibly long lifespans it is very hard to trick them. A select few also practice the ability of forcefully digging into the minds of others for information, if the need arises. Phoenixes will live forever, bursting into flames and rising from the ashes ever five hundred years, unless they are killed in battle.** In the same universe, there is a phoenix-human hybrid named Kyle Vivoka, who has inherited some of their abilities, as well as a version of their immortality, mortalized in the form of high-speed regeneration.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Western Animation ]]

* The InNameOnly ''ConanTheBarbarian'' AnimatedAdaptation had a [[PollyWantsAMicrophone talking]] Phoenix as a SmallAnnoyingCreature. In the sequel series where the firebird was missing, Conan made an off-hand comment saying that he eventually ate it.** To note that is was a small, young phoenix (with the power to enter a metal objects and become a symbol/decoration). In one episode it temporarily got its adult form and it was massive and powerful, easily carrying Conan on it's back.* ''WesternAnimation/TheGrimAdventuresOfBillyAndMandy'' showed the phoenix as a gluttonous beast.* One of the Three Keys of Power (artifacts that grant their owner tremendous magical power when used together) from ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'', the Phoenix Gate, allows people to travel through time. Howver, [[StableTimeLoop due to the nature of time travel in that series]], no one can actually ''change'' the past, merely fulfill their role in it. In the canon comics, [[spoiler: the Phoenix Gate is broken and an ''actual'' Phoenix is freed as a result]].* While no phoenixes are seen in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', [[EvilOverlord Fire Lord]] [[BigBad Ozai]] invokes the symbolism of the bird when he grants himself the title of "Phoenix King" on the basis of how he will [[spoiler: rise from the ashes of the incinerated Earth Kingdom as the supreme ruler of the world]].* The pilot episode of ''[[WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers Galaxy Rangers]]'' is called "Phoenix," ostensibly named for Zachary's ill-fated ship. It also could be read as a reference to Zach himself, as his life is pretty much shot by the end of the ep (severely injured, the ship's destroyed, wife's headed to the FateWorseThanDeath), and he's "reborn" as a HollywoodCyborg and put in command of the Series 5 team. One of the EarWorm theme songs also references the Phoenix.* In ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'', Princess Celestia has a pet phoenix named Philomena. When first introduced, Philomena is a sickly bird, [[spoiler: and Fluttershy kidnaps her to nurse her back to health. Everything she tries fails, and meanwhile Fluttershy and her friend Twilight Sparkle are panicking about how much trouble Fluttershy will get into for kidnapping the bird. Just when the princess arrives, Philomena catches fire. Fluttershy is very dismayed and confesses what she did, and the princess reassures her that she knows Fluttershy's intentions were good. Then she reveals that Philomena isn't dead, and a beautiful phoenix rises from the ashes.]] Philomena also turns out to have a mischievous side not unlike her owner [[spoiler:which is why she went along with the kidnapping.]]** Interestingly, this plot is very much like how Fawkes from ''Literature/HarryPotter'' was introduced, causing many fans to see it as a ShoutOut.** In ''Dragon Quest'', the teenage dragons attempt to raid the nest of a Phoenix family. The family escapes, but Spike finds a lone unhatched egg. [[spoiler:The other dragons urge him to smash it, but Spike refuses out of sympathy (he was a lone egg too not too long ago) and takes the egg with him back to Ponyville. The egg later hatches and Spike adopts the newly hatched chick as his pet naming it Peewee. Too bad he was PutOnABus.]]*** Which borders on FridgeLogic since in most lore phoenixes cannot be killed. Although, the fact that there is a phoenix ''species'' in Equestria implies that there must be ''something'' that prevents the population from growing out of control.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Real Life ]]

* "phoenix" was the online handle of the PlayfulHacker leader of the original Hacker Unionist Movement... and while he retired at the end of the first movement, it's had a ContinuityReboot of sorts twice.* The [[Myth/EgyptianMythology Bennu]], the mythological bird that inspired the concept of the phoenix in the west, was based on a species of extinct heron (''Ardea bennuides''). In turn, the Feng Huan, or "Chinese phoenix", was inspired by the Asian ostriches that lived during the ice ages in China.* Special mention should be given to the Vermilion Bird (aka the [[TheFourGods Zhuque or Suzaku]]) of Chinese-Japanese mythology. Its often mistaken as the "Asian Phoenix" due to the color of its plumage, however in its home countries its not considered a ''fire bird'' so much as a ''bird that uses fire''. * There is a breed of long-tailed chicken known as a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28chicken%29 phoenix]].* Phoenix was the name of the coins the Greek state used after its liberation. It symbolized the rebirth of Greece.** A phoenix rising behind a soldier was also a symbol of the "Colonels' Regime" in Greece (a military junta that ruled the country 1967-1974), symbolizing the "rebirth" of the Greek nation under their quasi-neofascist rule. They put this symbol everywhere, including coinage.* A phoenix above the main entrance of Hamburg's city hall symbolizes the rebirth of the city after the great fire of 1842, as does the representative ''Phönixsaal'' (Phoenix Hall) on the upper floor.* A phoenix was added to the coat of arms of Coventry, to symbolize the city's restoration after the World War II bombing.* The capital of {{UsefulNotes/Arizona}} is Phoenix, named in reference to it being founded on the long-abandoned ruins of former Hohokam settlements in the Salt River Valley. Most Americans assume that the city is instead a reference to the triple-digit temperatures the state experiences every summer. [[MemeticMutation But it's a dry heat.]]* The [[LaResistance Provisional]] [[TheTroubles IRA]] had a phoenix as their symbol representing the rebirth of the IRA and the Irish republican cause.* The city of SanFrancisco has the phoenix as its flag symbol.* There is an Azhdarchid pterosaur, called ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alanqa Alanqa]]'', is named after a type of phoenix. This being an Azhdarchid pterosaur, it looks more like [[DinosaursAreDragons a dragon]] than a phoenix.* It is thought by some that the source of the phoenix myths were sightings of flamingos feeding in boiling crater lakes.